Accuphase E280 Full Review-the Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Discover the good, bad, and ugly of the Accuphase E-280 in this comprehensive $7,999 integrated amp review. Let us know your thoughts below!
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high-end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus Faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
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[@timnation3633]

I have an Accuphase E-380, the next one up the line from this one and it is truly an awesome integrated. The more higher end gear I hear the more I like my Accuphase!

[@boboutelama5748]

The thing with Accuphase is the building quality. Lots of Audiophile stuff is simply overrated. Electronic pieces are not so great or the chassis have plastic parts to give a welded front, cheap knob pot, and so on. When you buy an Accuphase, you buy gear with no compromise. It's ridiculously priced and nowhere reality, yes. But it's a wonderful timepiece for your future you to have.

[@veetour]

I have the E-280 paired with the Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers and Rel T7x. It’s a “good” combination that can make you feel most of the music. There’s a lot of things that it does well like the neutral tonality, clarity, and powerful sound. I’ve never had to turn the volume above 10 o’clock, since it plays plenty loud. The unit is heavy even if it’s the smallest of the Accuphase integrated amps. It’s super solid and looks to be of significant build quality. I think for classical music, it doesn’t make the music sound spacious and wide enough, as well as feeling like the layers of instruments are not as separated as I would like. I would like to hear more texture and realism, which I feel is not there enough. I would love to hear how the E-280 would compare with its higher priced siblings like the E-4000 or E-5000. For my budget now, those other amps are out of reach. For busier and complex music with lots of fine details and layers, the E-280 may not be good enough for discerning listeners. For those who want to have a clean reproduction of sound with a touch of warmth and smoothness, good amount of power, and not picky about getting the most audiophile level of refinement, this may work for your budget.

[@aussie8114]

I’ve compared the 280 and 4000. The 4000 would be better for orchestral as it has greater dynamics. I’ve got the 280 and will consider upgrading to the 4000 soon but chances are I’ll stick with the 280 as it suits my ears.

[@manny2230]

Watching your videos is like watching tv series,can’t wait for the next episode 👍👍👍

[@enniol8043]

I second this

[@adrianlow2114]

@@enniol8043 lol thanks! all

[@lamaludwig1470]

I'm a big Accuphase and Sonus faber fan, so I understand. (E-350, Maxima Amator)

[@berndlober8194]

you are a very friendly, music-loving person. Thank you for explaining the great amplifier so well. Many greetings from Germany

[@thomasperina2990]

Hello Adrian & Fellow Audiophiles: Thank you for your passionate review of the Accuphase amp as well as the music. The effort of you & your crew are always appreciated. God Bless, TMP from N.J.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@flavioc5389]

Hey Adrian, I love your videos! Coincidentally just today at your "Italian counterpart", Audiocostruzioni, they did a livestream comparing the Accuphase E-280, the McIntosh MA5300, and a Luxman. They had with them a customer who is not only a hi-fi enthusiat but also an electrical engineer. They opened all three and the engineer started to point out the tecnical differences on all three. From purely a construction point of view, the audiophile & engineer showed that the MA5300 was far superior to the E-280. However, the shop owners themselves, although big McIntosh sellers, prefer the sounding of the Accuphase. I wish it had English subtitles because it was super informative. Anyway thank you for your videos too!

[@calvinkan3449]

Adrian. The sound quality of Accuphase optional DAC card is stunning for the price. Please review it if possible.

[@mikeg2491]

No surprise, they probably manufacture their DACs to work in harmony specifically with their amps.

[@davea3791]

Thank you for the review. It’s so very nice to listen to your thoughts without interruption! Anxious to hear from you again soon.

[@adrianlow2114]

Appreciate that!

[@nitinsoniism]

Just moved from Yamaha A-S1200 to Accuphase e280. Man, what a jump. This is a piece of jewellery. Better tighter bass, fuller sound, sweeter tone, more clarity, significantly better low volume performance, and better build. Yamaha is great and I thought I was done until I got e280. My fav is loudness compensation- makes it sing even at 45db.

[@geraldgreene5563]

Lol.. I was just about to look at the purchase of the Yamaha ..

[@nitinsoniism]

@@geraldgreene5563 Yamaha A-S1200 is less than half the cost. If Accuphase made a $3k amp, it will not sound any better. There is nothing under $3k that can compete with AS1200. I kinda like the midrange on AS1200 slightly better- a bit tube like. Accuphase is better in all other aspects and it should be - it’s 2.5x costlier!

[@geraldgreene5563]

Makes total sense…I was considering the Yamaha has an upgrade to my naim uniti atom and then add a separate streamer, maybe a Hegel 390 used as well. Thanks and appreciate any input here. Driving dyn audio Sp 40’s

[@nitinsoniism]

@@geraldgreene5563 Hegel h390 will definitely be better than Yamaha as1200 and even as2200. It can however sound a bit laid back. Yamaha 1200 and up sound live. Accuphase e280 will sound better than h390 - more balances and engaging. You don’t need h390 kind of power for Special 40. BTW, Atom is quite capable - why not use that as a preamp streamer, dac and get a beefy power amp?

[@geraldgreene5563]

I was actually thinking of that .. naim 200 or 250 used maybe ?

[@rwalkc]

I had an accuphase e380 with some Elysian 4. They sounded wonderful, transparent and you could feel the separation of the instruments very well. What you say about the construction of accuphase is like that, simply impressive. Unfortunately I had to sell the accuphase.

[@adrianlow2114]

That's too bad, hope you are ok

[@adgokhale]

Hi Adrian, excellent review. Accuphase builds some really good amplifiers. As an owner of an Accuphase amplifier, I truly enjoy the way it draws you into the music.. just spectacular!! Thanks again!!

[@danriley3064]

Hi Adrian, another great video. I am starting my research for an integrated amp to pair with my SF Electa Amator III's. All roads are leading me back to Accuphase or a McIntosh. Looking forward to your review/comparisons of the E-380 between the E-280 and MA8950. I also love how you provide the names of artists and tracks you listened to. Lots of passion in your voice as you explain the tracks. Cheers, Dan

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@DiCarpio-yk9pd]

Strict audio enthusiasts pick Accuphase Beginners, amateurs pick Luxman Rich but not particular with sound or only to impress friends pick McIntosh lol believe it or not !

[@aussie8114]

Got the 280 a few weeks ago. It’s a beautiful amp, very heavy too. I have the option to upgrade to the 4000 in a couple of months when the dealer gets a new shipment. Not sure yet if I will upgrade, the 280 is likely enough for me. Might be nice to have the extra 30% power though.

[@philipteater3714]

I love the format. The promise of a “juicy treat” 😊

[@vorpane]

I auditioned E-480 and E-650. Both very different, both wonderful. Can't wait to get into Accuphase separates though.

[@st74656]

Looking forward to your review of the e800 or e650! Class A!

[@MsCorbacho]

Conparing with other models , there are not much reviews of the accuphase e-800 , Jay didnt quit like the price/ quality ratio of this amp ( which it can , and is understandable coming from a reviewer that almost always review high end ), on the other side theres a very ...very positive review from a well respected spanish reviewer ( at the point of prefering this to the mac 120000 , to pass labs pre -power combo , and even d',agostino progression integrated ) , Now ....reviewers apart , stil makes me think why nobody else reviews it ? ( while for the 4000, and 5000 , there are plenty of reviews)

[@christianevans4449]

Great review. I have an A-36, now discontinued, it would be nice to hear your thoughts on the A-48. Love your channel.

[@1999zrx1100]

You sure can’t beat the build quality of Japanese products, recently bought a Luxman in the same price range, what made me stay clear of Accuphase was the extra cost for a Phono Preamp, I can see that for DAC’s because of future upgrades but not the Phono. Certainly nice looking gear. 👍

[@JR-ho5qm]

I agree, even the build quality on the newer 4 digit Yamaha models is really really nice for the price

[@alkebulansan]

Had my Accuphase E211 for many years now and have just introduced it to the Kef R3 Meta. My god, how amazingly beautiful they sound together, truly stunning. Music Hall Ikura with a 2m blue cartridge adds to the experience. Listen to Eabs meets Jaubi, "In search of a Better Tomorrow". Transcendental. No problem at all handling the myriad complexities of this album.

[@ThomasL]

All recording engineer say "Magic is in the midrange". Pair that with ATC/PMC/KerrAcoustic Speakers, or other brands with MidDome Drivers, and you'll go straight to heaven.

[@rig4365]

I think i often listen with my eyes. The Accuphase with Sonus Faber look to be a wonderful pairing.

[@lawchoongseng789]

Hi Adrain I agree with you completely about getting the mids correct. Can’t wait for your review on the E380, E480. Especially on the mids. Do they produce the same high quality mids like the E280. I have a Perreaux R200i driving a pair of Totem Hawk. Esoteric X05. Accuphase is my dream amplifier. Look forward to your coming reviews

[@wr7629]

thank you for reviewing Accuphase amplifier! just got delivery of the E4000. And it sound very good! very nice mid and good bass extension. Very dynamic too. Speaker is the Revel F228BE. the E4000 is night and day compare to the Marantz 40n and very close to the Passlab XA60.8

[@adrianlow2114]

Congratulations!

[@EliasC-fj5gc]

Hi Adrian. Love your reviews. Have you made or plan to make one for the Accuphase E800? Would be great to hear it.

[@stevewarner8686]

My Simaudio amp/preamp has a glorious midrange... I'm going to add a rel subwoofer to pickup the bass section... wishing you great success!

[@adrianlow2114]

Many thanks

[@greenlanternseven]

Dear Adrian : Copper wire used to the tweeter from the crossover should be replaced with silver nickel wire, the copper wire in your amps connected to the binding posts should also be replaced with silver nickel wire. ...you won't complain about the mids or highs then lol hope all is well

[@theshootindutchman]

Amen.......never heard a horn that I've liked either👍

[@patman5877]

Love the new editing! Great video! 👍

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@monster7363]

Hi Adrian, what am I getting by going up to the 380 from 280? Thanks

[@louv4437]

Love the review series!

[@Skye_the_toller]

Dear Sir Adrian! Can you try to make a video about the « place », the impact, the equilibrium of those 4 categories of component in the chain of music quality? Streamer… DAC… Amplifier… preamplifier??? It is quite difficult to understand why a streamer makes a so uge difference (based on reviewers) over DAC… or complement with the DAC? Thanks for your so good work!

[@michael71601]

When you say "bass below 40 Hz not as tight as some competition" - it would be nice to know what "competition" it is exactly...

[@gianlucabassi8853]

I simply would sleep with this amp at my left and with a beautiful woman at my right.❤❤

[@masamunexc]

Can you compare the E-280 to the MA8950 sometime?

[@realhi-fihelplarry8047]

How about you guys review the mcd 12000 and compare it to the Mcintosh DACs and CD players of the past? Plus the Ma12000 built in DAC. Currently there does NOT seem to be a MCD 12000 review on the entire internet/youtube that I can find.

[@domjohn5579]

Great video as always. Would have been great if you had commented a bit more on the unit's power output. Looks a bit low in the specs but glad to see that you didn't feel there was any issue driving the Sonus Faber. Thanks for the informative video.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks, power was not an issue for me

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

this cost $3800 in Japan, ridiculous price in USA!!!!!

[@SuperHyperExtra]

20 Hz to 20 KHz is about 10 octaves. 250 Hz to 3 or4 KHz is about 3,5 octaves to (exactly) 4 octaves.

[@MasterofPlay7]

so what makes the price difference between the e280 and e5000?

[@noname-fu2jw]

Thanks for the review! In direct comparison, would you recommend the MA 7200 or the E280 for more emotion? The new amp is supposed to drive a Harbeth HL5 xd. Any kind of music with a focus on classical and harder rock. Thanks for your help! Karsten

[@mrg1911]

Great video! I’m considering an E-280 to use with Harbeth 7ES3-XD speakers. I will only buy it with the optional DAC and Phono cards installed, and very curious about your opinion once you explore those. Thanks!

[@aussie8114]

In Australia at this point in time the DAC board is included at no extra cost in all the integrated amps, if you buy one try to get them to include the DAC board.

[@danielnicholls6868]

i wish my kenwood model 500 was still working to compare with the newer accuphase.

[@fabioferrante3962]

Bellissima spiegazione. Posseggo Accuphase e 280 e stavo pensando di abbinare il lettore cd Accuphase dp 450 Cosa ne pensi?? L’hai mai ascoltato?? Grazie mille.

[@HD-su9sq]

I wish you could comment on differences between the E280 and E5000? Thanks!

[@michaelschultz1125]

I wonder how this compares to the Luxman L-505 uX Mark II?

[@Seedlinux]

Will you ever review the new Luxman series Z? Specially the 505z?

[@adrianlow2114]

We generally only review products we carry, and unfortunately we don't represent Luxman

[@Seedlinux]

​@@adrianlow2114I see, thank you for the reply.

[@eleftheriospavouris3136]

Hello Adrian, do you believe that accuphase e280 would be a great sunergy match with wilson watt/puppy 7 .I am open to other suggestions power amp or intergraded. Watching your videos i highly value your opinion.Thank you in advance.

[@bartbarelds8454]

You SHOULD give the Blumenhofer Gran Gioia 2x16 a listen.. Better than any Sonus Faber i ever heard.

[@KM769]

Few years ago I had old E-206, I sold it because was lacking lower bass (mid and high frequecies were great). Have no idea how it compare to modern Accuphase, I don't buy new.

[@backrack01]

They charge us more in the states. Should be 5935 ish usd.. but they are piced at appx 7000usd.

[@aussie8114]

Accuphase prices are a bit crazy. It’s $10,500 in Australia with no boards included. $1,000 of that is our goods tax though.

[@Skye_the_toller]

I also have new Nova 3… and for now, I have some « issues » with my midrange… feels too loud, seems unbalanced…. (PS… also love Eva Cassidy… but… sing all in the midrange 😜)

[@buttonman1831]

I wonder how this compares to the Luxman 505uxii. I had that anp and I thought it was spectacular as an entry level Luxman integrated amp.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Won't power 20.7s 😮 Coda Ts v3 800w@4ohm Good point about midrange Removed Path Audio 1.2R 10w REW sweep, nice improvement Why anyone would want horns?

[@marks.2909]

Adrain check out this movie Tom Waites starred in ,,,,Down By Law ,..HA !

[@JamesH1973]

Great review. Thank you. Can I ask why you don’t sell Moon products?

[@Kukkema]

Am seriously considering buying this amp. Any recommendations for speakers that will pair well?

[@harmonykardon2116]

Tannoy or Fyne Audio dual concentric

[@alexcheong4067]

Does e280 good match with wharfadale Linton

[@watchnut]

Adrian, can you try the E280 with the Mofi Pointsource 10 and let us know how it sounds?

[@adrianlow2114]

yes, planning to do that at some point

[@tuathadedanann195]

Whats the speaker behind?

[@paulomontero12]

Why can accuphase offer their products in more then one colour? Not all will appreciate the gold finish.

[@aussie8114]

In real life they are not gold, they are like a Champaign colour. They look beautiful.

[@johngnipper8768]

Adrian how do you think the Sansui AU717 would compare to the Accuphase e280 . Both about the same power . Thoughts ?

[@stephencosta6814]

They really isn’t no comparison the 280 is world class

[@emanon321]

Dear Adrian, thank you for yet another wonderful video. My experience with a brand new E-280 paired with Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, is that the magic began at approximately the 180-200 hour mark. The 280 integrated is a solid-state endgame piece for me. FYI, this amp also pairs quite nicely with my McIntosh C22 V preamp when I want to spin vinyl. Best wishes from the Seattle area.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nitinsoniism]

How does it perform in bass department? Does it have enough power for Guarneri. They used Olympica Nova 3 which might be a bit too much? Asking because I am back and forth between e280 and e380.

[@dmitriy2853]

This amplifier requires a good power cable without shielding.

[@jamescurran8721]

It looks like a Luxman, but I guess less analytical.

[@bencausey]

Ooops - “base” is spelled “bass”.

[@dangoh2237]

At this price, no Accuphase for me! I will go for Daniel Hertz instead!

[@adrianlow2114]

Hi Dan, big price difference between the 2, but I agree with the sentiment overall

[@tommccarthy3385]

It's spelled "bass," not "base." :)

[@jdekong3945]

Sure it’s sounds really good, but for me it’s no looker, very dated styling but I probably wouldn’t grumble of I was given one 😹

[@nirodha35]

Your horn opinion is so out of date. Pity

[@adrianlow2114]

You may be right, but I have not yet heard any that has changed my mind. Of course YMMV

[@sammassam100]

I stopped the video when he said "accupases" like seriously ? literal disappointment. could have said Accuphase amps or pieces. m out

[@stacksmasher]

Meh this is not a $5000 item.